What to Expect In Athens

Almost everyone that I have talked to about Athens has said that they don't like it. Why? lots have people have said its dirty, scary at night, the Parthenon wasn't what they were expecting, smoggy and just all around the opposite of what they thought it was going to be. Personally I have never thought any of those things, it is quite different than any other European city that I have been in, however it might just be my favourite! So this is what to expect in Athens, the reasons why I love it and a couple tips!

1. ARRIVAL

     When arriving at the airport the best way to get into the town centre is the metro, its very easy to get to, the metro that leaves from the airport is the blue line, there is no need to worry what metro to get on as theres only one that leaves from the airport! If you're going to the centre the best stops to get off at are: 

• Syntagma metro startion 
• Monastiraki metro station
  • Both stations are in the centre so it just depends which one your hotel is closer to!

   2.FIRST IMPRESSION

      An important thing to remember when arriving is that Athens looks very different from most other European cities! Which some people seem surprised by, but its a reason why I love it so much! If travellers are coming from somewhere like Paris they may be surprised that the buildings that are older, run down and are splattered with graffiti, but if you are like me it will make the experience even better! Just be ready for a totally different scenery! 

      3.  SAFETY

      Addressing peoples safety concerns I have never personally felt unsafe in any way in Athens. I have been out and walking around in the middle of the night and there is still quite a lot of people roaming around and just having a good time. I feel more safe in Athens than I do in many other cities! Im sure there are some places you don't want to go in Athens, just live every other city a good idea would be to look up what areas to stay away from however downtown is very safe! There are children running around all the time and its the last place I would feel unsafe! 

     4. GYPSIES

         There are lots of gypsies in Athens and they will try to sell you things, which is obviously fine and buy anything that you want! but people do come up and hold things they are selling right in front of you, even when you are eating at a restaurant and they'll ask you to take it.. if you don't want it DO NOT grab it even if they say it is free because it isn't! there are also children that walk around with flowers those are not free either! it will seem strange at first but its very easy to get used to and saying no or just ignoring becomes very normal very quick! Just remember that if you take it you buy it.. some people even try to put bracelets on your wrist so just be prepared, I actually have a couple bracelets just because I actually did like them so I didn't mind it at all!

  5. SIGHTSEEING

      There are a lot of sights to see in Athens and if you pay for all of them separately the cost can really add up! There are a couple things you can do to help with the cost and the lines

• Athens City pass- this is probably the most expensive but you get admission to all sights and get to skip lines at certain things
• Special Package Ticket - I have done this every time I have gone to Athens and its really easy to get, at any sight entrance where you buy tickets and it gives you entrance into all the main sights and I believe its around 30 Euros 
• Free Admission/ reduced- This is obviously the best deal out of them all! under 18 is free admission and disabled persons plus one extra to accompany are also free. If you are a student in the EU admission is free, just make sure you bring ID when you are showing you are a student or proving your age. Reduced tickets are for all students outside the EU and if you go in the off season Nov 1- March 31 its half off!

When going to the Parthenon keep in mind that it is constantly under construction to maintain whats still standing. Lots of people are annoyed at the fact that there is scaffolding and construction. If they never did maintenance then it might not be standing as well as it is today. it doesn't take away from its amazing history and importance to Athens and all of Greece.

TIP: go up to the Acropolis in the evening its ope from 8 AM- 8PM, most people try to go in the morning to beat the lines and heat but if you go in the evening it has cooled off, its quite empty and the lighting is absolutely amazing!

    6. FOOD

       Im sure if you're going to Greece you've heard of a gyro (pronounced euro) they are amazing, filling and cheap! you could last your whole trip on gyros, make sure you get them wrapped and not plated if you are sitting down to eat because the plated ones are deconstructed and you don't get as much sauce or anything with them! another very popular thing there is freedom cappuccinos, they are so amazing and everyone has them for breakfast or with breakfast. 

Two favourite restaurants are:

• Gods Restaurant- the entire staff is amazing and so kind and the food there is amazing 
• Neoklassiko- its right beside the Astor hotel which is an amazing hotel and it makes the best gyros, fries and saganaki. 

Athens is absolutely one of my favourite places that I have ever been and I really want everyone to love it as much as I do! its full of history every corner you turn there are some old ruins and I highly suggest exploring them all! the most important thing to remember about Athens is to have fun! relax don't rush to get everything done! Enjoy and relax!